Samburu Game Lodge, Kenya

Samburu Game Lodge picuresquely located at the Banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River is home to the crocodile and the elephant with the shy leopard spotted frequently on trees around the luscious land. Experience the Samburu culture and feel the magic of this Game Reserve. Enjoy dining by the river whether for breakfast or under the stars at a specially organised Bush Dinner. You can choose to relax after your game drive by the inviting waters of our pool or enjoy treatments at the semi-outdoor-spa.

One of Kenya’s most long-established game lodges, this rustically tranquil lodge stands on the banks of the mighty Ewaso Nyiro River, which is the very lifeblood of this otherwise starkly beautiful but arid reserve. Secluded within 10 acres of pristine riverine forest, the restaurant, bars and the majority of the rooms look out over the river, which acts as a magnet for vast herd of elephants; and for leopards, lions, hippos and huge Nile crocodiles.

Ideally located at the very centre of one of the world’s few remaining sanctuaries for the endangered Grevy’s zebra, the rare beisa oryx and the blue-shanked Somali ostrich, this perennially popular lodge offers an enduringly authentic safari experience that is seldom replicated.

The Samburu National Reserve of northern Kenya, lies 320 kilometres from Nairobi. The lodge has its own all-weather airstrip, which is less than an hour from Nairobi by air.

Widely spaced throughout the verdant acacia-shaded grounds, we offer a charming selection of standard rooms. Each is traditionally constructed from local riverstone, timber and thatch and decorated with traditional Samburu beadwork, art and sculpture. Spacious and ensuite, each room has its own generous verandah with views over the rugged Samburu hills. For the accommodation of families, we offer a series of interconnecting rooms; a number of our rooms also offer access for the physically-challenged.

Just metres back from the banks of Ewaso Nyiro river, a favourite drinking and bathing place for the elephants of the reserve, our River Rooms feature comfortable lounges, extensive verandahs and romantic four-poster beds.

Our atmospheric Lorokushu Restaurant is presented in traditional Samburu style, with a high vaulted ceiling and traditional thatch. Overlooking the calm waters of the Ewaso Nyiro River, it offers local, regional and international cuisine to the very highest standards. Three lavish buffet-styled meals are offered each day and vegetarian options are always available. In the evening, the sound of a Samburu flute drifts over the river; later a display of traditional Samburu dance is staged by local warriors and their maidens.

For those who want to savour every second of their safari experience, we recommend that you dine in the bush. We excel in the art of arranging bush breakfasts, picnic lunches or safari sundowners on the plains.

On the banks of the river, the Crocodile Bar is cleverly sited so as to be on a level with the river bank, thus allowing unique viewing of the immense Nile crocodiles, monitor lizards, elephants and leopards that visit the opposite bank.

Towards sunset, bait is put out for the crocodiles, enticing them to venture within feet of those in the bar (in perfect safety).

Set slightly further back from the river and offering unforgettable sunsets, the Vulturine Bar is styled to echo the colour and vibrancy of the many flocks of Vulturine guinea fowl that typify the reserve.

An oasis of green in the centre of this otherwise aridly beautiful reserve, our free-form swimming pool and generous pool deck offers a range of comfortable loungers in both sun and shade. Our brasserie-styled café service also offers a wide range of snacks, ices and cool drinks.

Dating back to the great safaris of the 1920s, which typically included American film stars, European aristocracy and British royalty, the ’sundowner’ is one of the unforgettable icons of safari life. Served as the sun sinks over the horizon, the sundowner will be served in an exceptionally scenic spot and features waiter service and a range of home-made savouries.

We appreciate that whilst you are with us, you will want to absorb as much of this unique wilderness experience as possible. The Samburu is world famous for its wildlife, which includes some species found nowhere else. We operate our own fleet of safari-customized vehicles, with viewing hatches and open sides. All are driven by professional guides, whose knowledge of the reserves and their wildlife is unequalled. Typically, game drives set off at 6.30 am and 4.30 pm and can be timed to coincide with a bush breakfast or sundowners on the river.

So abundant is this area’s birdlife that it is possible to notch up over 100 species in a day, the most noteworthy being the rare blue-shanked Somali ostrich. Secretary birds are plentiful, as are bands of bustling helmeted and vulturine guinea fowls, while along the river storks feed and sand grouse congregate at dusk. Both red-billed and Von der Decken’s hornbills are common. The rugged nature of the reserve also provides an ideal raptor habitat; common sightings include; pygmy falcons, martial eagles and Verreaux’s eagle owls. For those who would like to learn more about them, our resident naturalist offers guided bird-walks at 10am daily.

It is our belief that the ideal safari experience should offer our guests the opportunity to learn more about the culture of their hosts, the Samburu, whose name, which means ‘butterfly’ reflects the elusive vibrancy of their essence.

The lodge features a charming dance theatre, where traditional Samburu dance and music is enacted. We also delighted to arrange visits to local Samburu villages, where genuine hand-crafted beadwork and carvings are often offered for sale.

The lodge welcomes children and offers both special children’s menus and mealtimes. Additionally, we offer adjoining family suites, a ‘listening service’ to keep watch over your children, baby-sitting (by prior request), games and books, educational videos and guided walks in the grounds.

Just because you are on safari doesn’t mean you can’t maintain your own personal health and wellness. Our Eseriani Spa, named in the Samburu language as ‘the place of peace’ offers a wide range of nature-inspired body massages, scrubs and wraps, energizing facials and luxury manicures and pedicures. Raised on a wildwood deck overlooking the plains, our Spa allows you to appreciate the sights and sounds of the bush while indulging in a unique range of treatments, all of which are based on entirely natural local ingredients such as flowers, spices and coffee.

Weddings don’t get much more dramatic than when set against the stunning backdrop of the Samburu. Our choice of venues includes a wedding by the river, on the plains or in our dramatically presented dining room. We are also proficient in catering your reception to the highest standards, complete with wedding cake, champagne and a themed banquet of your choice.

Harshly beautiful, alive with birdsong and delivering some of the best views in Africa, Samburu makes the sublime honeymoon destination. We offer a wide range of honeymoon suites, all of which will be presented with wine and fruit. We are also pleased to arrange an intimate dinner for two in the bush or on your private verandah, a honeymoon breakfast in bed, or breakfast by the river.

Wilderness Lodges, for the holistic wilderness experience
The lodge is connected by telephone, VHF radio and wireless internet. We offer our own forex and medical services while our lobby features a gift shop offering both safari essentials and an enchanting range of locally crafted gifts. Services include; Forex services, 24-hour electricity, laundry, medical services and supply of petrol.